Information, ideas shared during residents meeting

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Working together for the betterment of the community was the common theme during the Base Residents Information Fair at the Minuteman Commons Oct. 19.

Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander, as well as representatives from various base organizations shared information and listened to concerns during the hour-long town hall meeting.

Colonel Yike began by reminding the attendees Hanscom was truly committed to serving not just Air Force members and their families, but families from all services. Representatives from the Army, Coast Guard, Marines and National Guard were all in attendance.

"Only 53 percent of our residents are Air Force," said Colonel Yike. "Senior members from all services live here at Hanscom and they are great resources for you to use."

Budget was another major topic of the night. The colonel stressed that when budgets are tight, it not only affects servicemembers, but also their families. She suggested residents work together to get through the tough times.

"There may be some things I can't fund, fix or improve, but community members can help make things better," she said.

Colonel Yike cited the example of the Patriot Enlisted Association, a group of junior enlisted members, who have stepped up to tend to the POW/MIA memorial at the corner of Barksdale and Grenier streets.

Not only have the Airmen stepped up, but their family members have, as well. Ajahnyque Springer, a military spouse, was recognized for volunteering her time to help upkeep the area around the memorial.

"If there are things you think need improvement and you want to help, I'm all for it," Colonel Yike said. "If you have an idea, send me an email through Straight Talk and I'll respond and tell you how we can make it happen."

In addition to self-help projects, discussion at the meeting centered on changes at some of the facilities.

Maj. Joe Green, 66th Force Support Squadron deputy commander, informed attendees that the Fitness and Sports Center is scaling back its hours. The new hours of operation are now 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

There will now be a $3 charge for the majority of fitness classes. A few classes are still led by volunteers and will remain free for the foreseeable future.

"Airman currently on a fitness improvement plan will receive a letter from the HAWC (Health and Wellness Center) authorizing them to attend fitness classes for free," said Major Green.

Library hours will also slightly change. Starting in November, Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other days will remain the same with the library being open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

The Military Personnel Section hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

William Boyden, 66th Security Forces Squadron Investigations Intelligence superintendent, also briefed the crowd.

Mr. Boyden asked residents to call security forces for any issues or concerns with neighborhood safety, but stressed that strong community ties with neighbors would ultimately help keep everyone safe, secure and happy.

"We want to encourage everyone to reach out and get to know your neighbors," Mr. Boyden said. "If you have a noise complaint about some kids screaming outside at three o'clock in the afternoon, it may be faster to talk to the kids' parents than calling the Law Enforcement Desk."

He also reminded attendees about the Youth Supervision Policy.

"We've noticed a few hot spots for youth loitering around the Shoppette parking lot and gazebo behind the theater," he said. "Loitering is prohibited in these locations because they create unsafe hazards, particularly in the parking lot. We need you to remind your children that this is not an acceptable location for them."

The housing office has copies of the policy for anyone interested in reading the guidelines and regulations.

Col. Frank Glenn, 66th Medical Squadron commander, addressed attendees next. He talked about the importance of showing up for scheduled appointments.

"'No shows' cost us around $72,000 annually," he said. "We need you to call us at least two hours before your appointment to let us know if you're not coming. This allows us to schedule another appointment in your place."

He also informed the audience that the squadron would soon be transitioning from the 1-800-NAVY-MED scheduling procedure to a local call center. He hopes this will make the process smoother for both the clinic and the patients.

Tom Schluckebier, base civil engineer, gave the residents an update on plans for the new middle school and other projects.

He said the project for a new middle school is in the FY12 presidential budget and the design should be complete by this spring.

Temporary classrooms will be set up near the Memorial Park area for two school years while the new facility is being constructed. Some additional parking will also be added across the Shawsheen River. Construction should be complete in August 2014.

"You may also notice some other construction projects around the base," he said. "Many of these are energy saving projects such as the steam and condensate pipe replacements. Although we don't have a lot of money, these types of projects are being funded because they will save us money in the long run."

Other projects going on around the base include the traffic light replacements and Massachusetts National Guard building. The traffic lights at the intersection of Barksdale and Grenier streets will be finished within the next few weeks with the intersection at Forbes at Barksdale streets following shortly thereafter. The first phase of the National Guard headquarters building will begin to be occupied around April 2012.

Galen Williams, Safety director, reminded residents to start preparing for winter weather now. He asked attendees to look for information articles in upcoming issues of the Hansconian to learn how to better prepare for inclement weather conditions.

Colonel Yike wrapped up the meeting by thanking attendees for coming out and answering questions.

"We're making hard decisions, but we want them to be the right decisions," she said. "Your inputs and feedback matter. Tell us what really makes a difference to you."